Ok, I got some information off other forums, so now here is this question.

I have found a letter my mother is composing to send to an old aquaintance, a former pastor. Basically, she is bringing up things that happened 15-20 years ago, many of which are either without merrit or at least without proof. Anything actually concrete I belive is way past the statute of limitaions to bring charges. She has basically demanded a $5 million dollar "out of court settlement" or she will take her information to the press and/or local authorities. She is clear about being more interested in embarressing the church than in any justice. Oh, and giving a great 5 days to decide. She claims to be sending a copy to a mutual friend and to her attorney, with directions to take the information public if "anything happens to her".

Now, clearly, we are dealing with someone not working on all cylinders. But I need to know what the possible penalties could be should the receiver of this letter decide to press charges. Part of me wants to let her send it so that she can finally have to deal with the consequenses of her actions. But I need to know how big these consequences may be. If she will just end up with a reality check, then so be it. But if I need to step in and prevent her from facing serious criminal charges, then I have to confront her sooner than later.

Also, should I not be able to stop her, will it help her defense at all that she is on SSD, mostly for post-traumatic stress syndrome, panic disorder, and depression? I am afraid the end result may actually be having her declared incompetent, but I want to avoid it if at all possible.

Sorry if I am in the wrong section here, just kind of an all-encompassing problem

Thank you again for all the help you provide.